May 26, 2012

Interviewing: You're not a solicitor ringing their doorbell

How can I prevent nervousness? This is the most commonly asked question that I encounter in my coaching of jobseekers - entry level individual contributors through C level.

I’m so glad you asked!

Let’s step back and consider why you’re there. Are you a door to door salesperson, ringing their doorbell? Nope.

The employer invited you. Why?

They have a need that you can fill.

What’s an interview? It’s a business meeting between or among business professionals.

You are a qualified professional with a valuable service to offer that will fill this employer’s need.

Look at this as a level playing field – a 50/50 proposition. Don’t go in with the attitude of being a subordinate in the transaction – as if “they have the job and you don’t have the job.” They have a need and you have an answer to the need.

The employer needs your help, not only to perform the job, but also DURING the interview. Wrong hiring decisions are costly in dollars and the reputations of the decision makers. By being well prepared, you'll be more confident. By being more confident, you'll help the interviewer relax in knowing you’re the right person for the job.

What’s the most important thing you can wear to an interview? Your smile - and the air of confidence a well prepared business professional has, going into a meeting.

What’s the one thing that you can do better than anyone else on this planet? Be yourself. The employer wants to know you, the person, as well as you, the professional.

Be prepared and be yourself. Begin working for the company by helping them make this tough decision – with your confidence in your ability to produce for them.

You know your stuff! You know what they need. Be so well prepared that you can start doing the job in the interview. Be the person they’re looking for - YOU!